In the upcoming 7-part series, we will select excerpts from my latest book, SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance, where we will explore the main protagonist, Steve Harmon’s indelible odyssey to a life of significance and impact. 

With each excerpt, we delve into the depths of Steve’s adventures, extracting their deeper meanings and exploring practical applications for our own lives. 

This week, the journey continues through the ‘Purpose’ section of the fable, where Steve’s encounter with two young women prompts a soul-stirring reevaluation of his life plan. The discussion that they pursue prompts reflection on whether a relentless quest for material wealth and spurious success can genuinely fulfil one’s deepest desires for lasting satisfaction and profound fulfillment.

Let’s examine this question in more depth by dissecting their conversation. But first, let’s set the scene… 

Steve, after saying his goodbyes to Balwant and Sukhbir at the Golden Temple, finds himself at a McDonald’s where he orders a coffee. While waiting for that coffee, he runs to the washroom, where he spots a woman’s watch lying on the soap dispenser, which he takes to the counter. The attendant, while holding the watch in the air, yells out to the crowd to ask if this is anyone’s watch. A woman replied and leapt up quickly to claim the watch. The woman’s name is Ananya. She was accompanied by her friend, Shruti. 

After showing deep appreciation for finding the watch, the two women proceeded to leave the restaurant when they heard Steve asking a restaurant attendant for bus timetables and maps.

The women whispered among themselves. Then, Ananya approached Steve. “Where do you want to go?”. “Dharamsala,” he replied. “We will be passing the intercity bus stand. If you want, we can drop you there.” 

What was to be a short trip to the bus station eventually led to the two women offering Steve a drive up to his destination in Dharamsala. An hour into their voyage, they stopped for some ginger chai, where a deep discussion ensued. We join their conversation as Steve attempts to make sense of why Ananya and Shruti left their high-powered careers to join a small local art cooperative committed to promoting women designers from rural villages in India.

“But it must not have been easy,” Steve probed. “This company, I assume, is quite small compared to the multinational brands you were working with earlier, correct?”

“Yes. The salary is half of what we made with those firms. But then again, just making money was never my sole purpose,” explained Ananya.

“Isn’t life too complex and varied to be encapsulated into a single purpose? Aren’t there multiple purposes at different points in life?”

“Of course, there are different needs and goals at different times. But there is one major purpose that speaks to your deepest desire—your reason for being. Suppose you didn’t

have to work for a living. What would your contribution be to the world that would make you happy?” Shruti asked. 

“I know I want to create something of value,” she added. “Grow not only as an artist but also as a human being.”

She took in Steve’s puzzled face. “Come on, don’t look so cynical. You too must have started out with a dream, right? You must have had goals? I mean, look at you … hotshot lawyer travelling across continents.”

Steve smiled, “Yes … of course, I do! I have a list of weekly, monthly, yearly, five-yearly and even decade-long goals. But I don’t think any of them are so… esoteric.”

Ananya laughed. “Yes, our aspirations may come across as esoteric. But they are also very tangible and practical. The number of people we have worked with over the last three years, the range of work we have had the opportunity to be a part of, the enormous challenges we encounter daily—trust me, the experience has been invaluable and very grounding. If I learned fashion design in school, I learned life design out here in the field.”

“Ya, the feeling you get … much more fulfilling than just earning a salary,” Ananya smiled at the memory.

“But surely you miss the big city life?”, Steve asked.

“Yes, of course… We miss the Starbucks coffee, plush offices, business-class tickets, dinners at fancy restaurants, the high street shopping, and watching Netflix all night,” Shruti said with a sarcastic laugh. “In its place, we now have to sip a five-rupee tea in a meadow of wildflowers, sleep under a canopy of stars on the roof of a house, chat with new friends, play barefoot with children, and learn embroidery from our grandmother….. poor us!” she giggled.

This set Steve thinking about his own career path. The initial goals he had set when he was starting out as a young lawyer were all about money because it was the one thing his life had always lacked. He remembered staunchly believing that money would be his freedom currency. 

Freedom that can buy choices, and a life he wanted. No doubt, this currency did just that. The money had afforded him the freedom to enjoy the good life, to make risky decisions he would have never made otherwise; to own possessions he had only once dreamed of.

But this freedom had gradually morphed into a booby trap; a bondage of sorts that was all his own tying.

At this point, buying the latest car was no longer a source of joy but a necessity—part of the constant pressure to keep up with his bombastic peers. Every new possession came with its own encumbrances. More insurance policies, property taxes, and membership fees. An increasing array of gyms and cosmetic medical treatments. Every move he made was but a mere filler to retain his place in the society to which he was now beholden. The constant pressure to be seen as having it all, even if it meant giving up more than your all.

The money that was supposed to free him had, in fact, tied him down in ways he had never imagined. 

He was slowly realizing whatever you possessed, possessed you back.”

So, what was the missing link? Had Steve’s pursuit of success been a waste of time?

The above dialogue with Ananya and Shruti, as well as his corresponding self-deliberation, uncovers Steve’s openness to embrace the benevolent idea of pursuing a purpose larger than oneself, which can serve as the crucial bridge between a life of mere success and one of profound significance.

While attaining personal success may bring wealth, recognition, and accomplishments, it often leaves behind a lingering sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction. However, when we align our goals and actions with a greater purpose that extends beyond our desires, we unlock a deeper sense of fulfilment and meaning in our lives.

Here’s why having a purpose larger than yourself is essential in bridging the gap between success and significance, leading to enduring fulfilment:

1. From Societal Expectations to True Calling 

Our life’s true calling transcends mere career or job titles; it embodies the essence of who we are and what we are meant to contribute to the world. When we focus our energy on activities that resonate with our strengths and interests, we can excel and achieve greater success. Embracing our true calling allows us to make the most of our talents and abilities. Understanding our true calling enables us to harness our full potential by aligning our passions, talents, and values with meaningful goals and pursuits.

2. From Wealth Seeker to Change Maker

A purpose larger than self provides our lives with profound meaning and direction, surpassing material wealth or external achievements. Devoting ourselves to something greater than our interests brings about a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment—whether it’s serving others, advocating for causes we believe in, or making a difference in our communities.

3. From Personal Desires to Greater Good

When we are driven by a purpose larger than ourselves, our focus shifts from personal desires and insecurities to the greater good. Instead of being preoccupied with self-promotion or self-preservation, we become more concerned with how we can contribute to the well-being of others or the world at large. This shift in focus diminishes the power of the ego, as its concerns become secondary to the pursuit of a higher purpose.

4. From Individual Ego to Full Flow State

Flow is characterized by a loss of self-consciousness, where individuals become fully absorbed in their activities and lose track of time and self-awareness. Pursuing a purpose larger than oneself can facilitate this loss of self-consciousness by shifting focus away from the individual ego and towards a greater cause or mission. In these moments, the ego’s grip loosens, allowing for a deeper connection to something beyond the individual self. In this state, they are less likely to be distracted by self-doubt or external concerns, allowing them to activate their full potential. 

5. From Personal Success to Collective Impact

Living with a purpose larger than self allows us to make a meaningful impact on the world. Instead of solely focusing on personal success, we channel our efforts towards contributing to something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s improving the lives of others, advocating for social justice, or protecting the environment, our actions have the power to create positive change that transcends perceived limitations and boundaries.

6. From Individual Concern to Societal Care

Having a purpose larger than self expands our perspective beyond individual concerns to encompass broader societal and global issues. It encourages us to consider the interconnectedness of humanity and the planet, recognizing that our actions have ripple effects that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. Whether it’s working towards environmental conservation, social justice, or community development, being part of a collective effort also fosters a sense of connection and solidarity with other like-minded individuals who are also committed to making a positive impact on the world. By working towards a common goal, we strengthen bonds and build relationships that transcend individual differences.

7. From Adversity to Adaptability

A purpose larger than self provides resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. By staying focused on our purpose, we gain the strength and determination to persevere and overcome adversity, even amidst uncertainty.

8. From Temporary Triumph to Lasting Legacy

Living with a purpose larger than self allows us to leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond our own lifetime. By dedicating ourselves to something meaningful, we create a positive impact that continues to inspire and uplift others for generations to come. Our actions become part of a larger narrative of progress and transformation, shaping the world for the better.

In conclusion, embracing a purpose larger than self is the essential link between a life of success and one of significance. By aligning our goals and actions with a greater purpose, we unlock the true potential of our lives and contribute to a brighter and more purposeful future for all.